After this every one became anxious to hear Gwendolen sing; especially Mr.Arrowpoint; as was natural in a host and a perfect gentleman, of whom no one had anything to say but that he married Miss Cuttler and imported the best cigars; and he led her to the piano with easy politeness.

Herr Klesmer closed the instrument in readiness for her, and smiled with pleasure at her approach; then placed himself at a distance of a few feet so that he could see her as she sang.
Gwendolen was not nervous; what she undertook to do she did without trembling, and singing was an enjoyment to her.

Her voice was a moderately powerful soprano (some one had told her it was like Jenny Lind's), her ear good, and she was able to keep in tune, so that her singing gave pleasure to ordinary hearers, and she had been used to unmingled applause.

She had the rare advantage of looking almost prettier when she was singing than at other times, and that Herr Klesmer was in front of her seemed not disagreeable.

Her song, determined on beforehand, was a favorite aria of Belini's, in which she felt quite sure of herself.
"Charming ?" said Mr.Arrowpoint, who had remained near, and the word was echoed around without more insincerity than we recognize in a brotherly way as human.